Glenna & Marty – Lady Valiant

Words by Jamie Jansen

Marty and Glenna, the dynamic musical duo behind the band Lady Valiant, bring electrifying energy to Port Douglas with their captivating performances. With Glenna's powerhouse vocals and Marty’s skilful guitar work, they blend the soulful sounds of Delta Blues with the pulse of modern rock, captivating local pubs and events alike. Their performances not only entertain but also celebrate the vibrant cultural spirit of the region.

The journey of this power couple began when Glenna arrived in Port Douglas in 2009. Originally from the Southern USA, she was backpacking along the east coast of Australia when her love for music led her to form a casual band with newfound friends. Upon reaching Port Douglas, she discovered a thriving local music scene bursting with talent and opportunities. Eager to dive in, Glenna and her bandmates began performing at venues such as the Courthouse Hotel, setting the stage for her future.

Marty, on the other hand, was not yet part of these musical adventures. Growing up in regional Victoria, he received his first guitar from his grandmother at the age of 12, a gift that would change his life forever. From that moment on, he spent his teenage years practising diligently behind a locked bedroom door. It wasn’t until he relocated to Port Douglas in his mid twenties and met Glenna that he finally took the plunge onto the stage.

Glenna entered Marty’s life when she moved into the shared house where he lived, and they quickly became best buddies. Over the next four years, their friendship deepened, gradually evolving into a partnership, both musically and romantically. It was through their mutual friend and fellow musician, Shannon Hunter, that they started discussing the idea of forming a band. At the time, Shannon worked in the kitchen at the Courthouse and, after Glenna's gigs, the three of them would often gather in the park to jam and so a trio band called Timber and Wood was born.

For two years, they brought energy and positivity to the local music scene. However, it was during a transformative nine-month trip to the States in 2015 that Glenna and Marty truly found their stride as a musical duo. With Shannon pursuing his own path back in Port Douglas, Glenna and Marty ventured to various venues across the U.S., honing their sound together. When they returned to Port Douglas in 2016, they officially launched Lady Valiant. That same year, the couple celebrated their love by tying the knot in Port Douglas. (Interesting sidenote: They opted for a carefully curated playlist instead of live music at their wedding, allowing their musician friends to relax and enjoy the celebration.) 

Over the following years, Marty and Glenna focused on honing their sound. They began with cover gigs before gradually integrating more original material into their performances. This evolution inspired them to expand their music, leading to the formation of a larger band. Now a four-piece group, they’ve welcomed James ‘Fry’ Allen on drums and Matt Gerdes on bass, bringing a fuller sound to their shows. They are stepping up their performances, embracing festival appearances and larger venues that allow them to showcase their high-energy vibe and electrifying chemistry on stage.